Fair weather seen during school opening

With the onset of the rainy season, Filipinos should brace for the entry of more tropical cyclones beginning this month, the state weather bureau warned yesterday.

No tropical cyclone is likely to enter the country until June 5, which is the opening of classes in public elementary and high schools nationwide.

“Fair weather, apart from isolated rains and thunderstorms will prevail in the country on June 5,” the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.

One or two cyclones are expected to enter the Philippines this month that could further enhance the rain-producing southwest monsoon.

PAGASA officially declared the start of the rainy season last Tuesday. The southwest monsoon will last until September.

Rene Paciente, PAGASA assistant weather services chief, said cyclones that visit the country in June either hit Northern Luzon areas or “recurve” toward Southern Japan.

The next cyclone that will enter the Philippine area of responsibility will be named “Emong.”

Paciente said a “surge” of the southwest monsoon is expected today until the weekend, bringing light to moderate rains especially in the western section of the country, including Metro Manila.

On Tuesday night, intense rains brought by series of thunderstorms flooded several areas in Metro Manila, triggering traffic jams in major thoroughfares.